I'm quite cool about my sex symbol image. It's nothing to be

"I'm quite cool about my sex symbol image. It's nothing to be proud of or ashamed of." These words spoken by Urmila Matondkar convey a powerful message about the nature of identity and the way society defines individuals. In a world that often places people into labels, especially when it comes to physical appearance or sexuality, Matondkar’s words reflect a mature understanding of herself and the impermanence of external perceptions. She embraces her role as a sex symbol, but with a sense of equanimity, recognizing that such labels are neither inherently good nor bad—they simply are. To be cool about this label speaks to a deep sense of acceptance and the refusal to allow society’s projections to define one’s worth.

In the ancient world, the concept of identity was not just rooted in physical appearance but in one’s actions and character. The Greeks, for example, prized virtue and wisdom above all. Socrates, in particular, emphasized the idea that true beauty lay in the character and morality of an individual, not in their external form. To the Greeks, the pursuit of self-knowledge and virtue was paramount. Socrates famously said that "The unexamined life is not worth living," a statement that underscores the importance of looking beyond superficial labels and examining the deeper truths of our existence. In this light, Matondkar’s statement can be seen as an acknowledgment that, while the world may assign labels to us, it is how we live and carry ourselves that truly defines us.

The Romans, too, were concerned with how one was perceived by society, yet they emphasized personal honor and duty as the true measure of a person’s worth. Consider the story of Cicero, the famed orator and philosopher, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and virtue. Despite his fame and wealth, Cicero’s true legacy was shaped by his actions and principles, not his outward appearance. In the same vein, Matondkar demonstrates through her words that external labels—whether positive or negative—are fleeting. It is the inner strength, integrity, and humility that truly define one’s worth, not how the world perceives them.

In more recent history, the life of Mahatma Gandhi offers a compelling parallel. Gandhi was often seen as the moral compass of his time, a leader who rejected the external trappings of power and fame. His image, though modest and far from glamorous, became a symbol of strength and self-discipline. Gandhi's ability to remain unaffected by the superficial judgments of others—whether they viewed him as a leader or a simple man—showed that true power comes from within, not from the labels or expectations placed upon us. Like Urmila Matondkar, who remains unfazed by her own label as a sex symbol, Gandhi embraced his role in history without allowing it to define his worth. His coolness came from his inner resolve and his commitment to a higher purpose.

Matondkar’s statement also speaks to the fluidity of identity in the modern world. The idea that she is “cool” about being labeled a sex symbol underscores her rejection of societal pressures to conform to a rigid definition of who she should be. In a world where people are often pigeonholed into narrow roles based on appearance, success, or popularity, her attitude reflects a deeply empowered perspective. She recognizes that external labels are mere constructs—temporary, changeable, and ultimately insignificant compared to the inner self that one cultivates through action, character, and purpose.

The lesson we can draw from Matondkar’s words is one of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of external judgment. Just as the ancient philosophers urged individuals to focus on their inner lives and virtue, so too should we embrace the reality that labels, whether positive or negative, do not define who we truly are. Cicero, Socrates, and Gandhi all knew that true greatness comes from within, and Matondkar’s acceptance of her image is a modern reflection of this ancient wisdom. We must not allow societal labels to dictate our worth, but instead, define ourselves through our values, our actions, and our character.

In practical terms, this means rejecting external definitions and choosing instead to focus on what makes us authentically ourselves. Whether we are labeled by others as successful, beautiful, intelligent, or flawed, we must remember that these labels are fleeting and do not touch the true essence of who we are. Like Matondkar, we can find peace and strength in accepting our roles in the world, but not letting those roles become who we are. Instead, we must strive to cultivate a life centered around integrity, purpose, and personal growth, free from the constraints of external judgment. Let us live with the awareness that our true value lies in the nobility of our actions, not in the labels others assign to us.